Image projection apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image projection apparatus is provided which includes a projector, image source and reflective element. The reflective element is capable of being rotated by a mechanism housed within the reflective element. Light projected from the projector and through the image source is directed to the relective element and reflective onto a surface for viewing. The rotation of the reflective element creates reflected images which move in a desired direction across the viewing surface.

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of utility patentapplication 10/008,112 filed on Oct. 22, 2001. This application alsoclaims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application number60/410,855 filed on Sept. 13, 2002 and U.S provisional patentapplication number 60/425,455 filed on Nov. 12, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to devices used to project images embodiedon transparent polymeric film onto one or more viewing surfaces byshining a light through the image embodied on the film. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to projectors used to projectthematic images singly, in either a static or serial display, onto aviewing surface or to project multiple views of an image simultaneouslyonto a plurality of viewing surfaces.

[0003] The projection of images using light is a well known and popularway to decorate or entertain, especially during the holidays, seasonalevents or special occasions. One can display images associated with theoccasion (e.g. a ghost for Halloween), and a projected image displayedunder low light conditions can make a lasting impression on an observer.A relatively small image can be enlarged to many times its original sizeand displayed upon a surface such as a wall, garage door, sheet, screenor the like.

[0004] Drawbacks to the practice of projecting images using lightinclude the high cost of conventional projectors, many of which cannotbe used outdoors in inclement weather, and the fact that such projectorstypically require some intervention by the user in order to change theimage being projected. Projectors are therefore needed that areeconomical to manufacture and use, that can be used outdoors withoutrisk of injury or damage, and that can display images singly, serially,or simultaneously on multiple surfaces without user intervention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] This invention overcomes existing drawbacks in the art byproviding a projector system including a reflector element with asubstantially enclosed drive mechanism. As a result, the drive mechanismis protected from the elements when the projector system is usedoutdoors.

[0006] In one embodiment the invention provides a projector comprising apolymeric housing containing a directional electric light source, a lensdisposed opposite the light source, a light path extending from thelight source through the lens and out of the housing, an image mediumsupport assembly disposed between the light source and the lens, theimage medium support assembly further comprising an image window alignedin the light path, and an opening in which an image medium can besupported in the image medium support assembly. The invention alsoincludes a support member attachable to the projector comprising amounting frame with a proximal end holding the projector and a distalend holding, in spaced apart relation to the projector, a multi-facetedreflective element, the reflective element being supported on twoopposed sides and the reflective element including a housing having aplurality of reflective surfaces and means for rotating the housingwhich is located substantially inside of the housing.

[0007] In another embodiment the invention provides a rotatablemulti-faceted reflective element for use in the projection of reflectedlight comprising a housing including a plurality of reflective surfacesand means for rotating the housing which is located substantially insideof the housing.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will be fully described by the following description, appendedclaims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The apparatus of the invention is further described and explainedin relation to the following figures of the drawings wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred projector of theinvention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a left side elevation view of the projector of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the projector of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of another preferred projectorof the invention that is modified to rotate an image wheel through thelight path;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the projector of FIG, 6;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view, partially broken away, ofanother preferred projector assembly of the invention wherein a mirrorball is rotatably mounted in the light path emanating from theprojector;

[0018]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of theprojector assembly including the mirror ball;

[0019]FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the projector support assemblymember of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0020]FIG. 11a is a front view of one section of a shield of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0021]FIG. 11b is a side view of one section of a shield of thealternate embodiment of FIG. 9;

[0022]FIG. 12 is a side view of an assembled version of the alternateembodiment of FIG. 9;

[0023]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a mirror ball and shield assembly;

[0024]FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a mirror ball;

[0025]FIG. 15a is a front view of components of the mirror ball;

[0026]FIG. 15b is a side view of components of the mirror ball;

[0027]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mirror ball with gearrotation indicators;

[0028]FIG. 17a is a front view of a barrel shaped configuration of themirror ball;

[0029]FIG. 17b is a side view of a barrel shaped configuration of themirror ball;

[0030]FIG. 18 is a side view of a projector using an alternateembodiment of a support member;

[0031]FIG. 19 is a side view of a projector and mirror ball assemblyusing an alternate embodiment of a support member;

[0032]FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the alternate embodiment of a supportmember;

[0033]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of theprojector having two image sources;

[0034]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the projector of FIG. 21;

[0035]FIG. 23 is a rear view of the projector of FIG. 21;

[0036]FIG. 24 is an alternate perspective view of the projector of FIG.21; and

[0037]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a screen upon which images may bedisplayed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, projector 10 preferably comprises apolymeric housing 12 supporting a light source 14 at one end and a lenstube 16, most preferably containing a biconvex lens 18, at the other.Housing 12 is preferably injection molded from an impact resistantpolymer and is most preferably molded in two halves 20 and 22 that arejoined during assembly with screws 24 or other similarly effectivefasteners The imaginary line between light source 14 and lens 18establishes a light path that, when extended beyond projector 10,continues to a viewing surface upon which an image is to be projectedHousing 12 preferably further comprises an image medium support assembly26 that is disposed between light source 14 and lens 18. Image mediumsupport assembly 26 supports an image medium 28 such as, for example, acircular disk comprising a slide film or transparency in an image windowthrough which light emanating from light source 14 is directed towardlens 18. Lens tube 16 is most preferably threaded into engagement withhousing 12 in such manner that the focal length between image medium 28and lens 18 can be adjusted within predetermined limits. Light source 14preferably contains an electric lamp 30 and is threaded into engagementwith the end of housing opposite lens tube 16, When removed, lightsource 14 also provides access to image medium support assembly 26 sothat image medium 28 can be changed as desired. Vents or louvers 32 aredesirably provided in housing 12 and in light source 14 to facilitateconvective cooling of lamp 30 during use.

[0039] Projector 10 preferably further comprises a projector supportmember 34 to which housing 12 is connected in such manner that the angleof the light path relative to an underlying support surface can beadjusted easily by the user. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the connecting mechanism comprises opposed engagement members38, 40 having interlocking teeth and coaxially aligned apertures throughwhich a threaded bolt 42 can be inserted and tightened using wing nut 44when projector housing 12 is in the preferred angular position.Projector support member 34 preferably further comprises a tubularmember 46 containing a transformer 48 that desirably converts standardhousehold electrical current to a lower voltage for use with lamp 30 ofprojector 10, One electrical conductor 50 supplies electrical current totransformer 48 and another electrical conductor 52 supplies theconverted current to plug 54 on the back of light source 14 of housing12. Projector support member 34 preferably further comprises mountingstake 56 having footrest 58 to facilitate insertion of mounting stake 56into the ground for outdoor use on earthen surface 36, Althoughprojector support member 34 is described above in relation to apreferred embodiment intended for use with an earthen support surface36, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art uponreading this disclosure that projector support members having otherphysical configurations can likewise be provided for use with otherunderlying support surfaces for projector 10.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, describedherein in relation to FIGS. 6 and 7, a projector is disclosed that issubstantially as described above but modified to serially advancedifferent images into the light path without user intervention. Apreferred modification for achieving this function this the provision ofa small electric motor inside the housing with a rotating shaft thatcauses a wheel comprising multiple fixed images to rotate the same ordifferent images sequentially through the light path of the projector.This rotation can be accomplished continuously or intermittently by theprovision of appropriate conventional linkage and control mechanismswell known to those of skill in the art. Referring to FIG. 6, projector60 preferably comprises an enlarged molded plastic housing 62, againhaving a light source 64 disposed at one end and a lens tube 66containing lens 68 at the other, thereby defining a light path throughthe projector. Projector 60 is preferably attached by mounting stud 70to support member 72, which is shown as having a stake 74 for insertioninto an earthen surface for outdoor use. Electrical power cords and atransformer as previously described for projector 10 are also desirablyutilized with this embodiment of the invention but are not depicted inthe simplified drawing of FIG. 6.

[0041] The internal structure and operation of projector 60 are betterdescribed and explained in relation to FIG. 7, in which the parts areintended to be substantially identical to those depicted in FIG. 6,except that a differently shaped lens tube 66″ is disclosed, and themounting stud and support member are not shown to simplify theillustration. Also, because FIGS. 6 and 7 are simplified diagrammaticviews, screws used to assemble the halves of body 62 and otherstructural details are not shown in these figures Referring to FIG, 7,housing 62 of projector 60 preferably comprises an electric motor 78that rotates shaft 76, which is offset from the light path establishedby light source 64 and lens 68. Image medium support assembly 86comprising image window 88 cooperates with rotatable shaft 76 to rotateimage wheel 80. Image wheel 80 further comprises a centrally disposedaperture 82 that engages shaft 76 so that image wheel 80 is rotatedthrough image window 88 whenever motor 78 is energized. Electricalcords, transformers and plugs are also not shown to simplify theillustration but can be provided as for projector 1 0 as previouslydescribed. Image wheel 80 preferably comprises a plurality of images 84that are arcuately spaced apart near its periphery to facilitate theserial advancement of such images into image window 88 as wheel 80rotates. Images 84 can be the same or different. Cartridge 90 is alsodesirably provided so that a single image or color filter can beinstalled inside image medium support assembly 86 in place of, or inaddition to, using image wheel 80 if desired.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, a projectorassembly is disclosed that comprises a low cost projector substantiallyas described above but modified to simultaneously project a single imagein a plurality of directions after the projected light beam exits theprojector housing. This embodiment of the invention utilizes a frameassembly that aligns the projector with a rotating mirror ball thatsimultaneously redirects the projected image in many differentdirections and continuously changes the image being projected onto aparticular spot on surrounding viewing surfaces. This embodiment of theinvention is particularly preferred for indoor use where the image canbe directed against both walls and ceiling at the same time Referring toFIG. 8, an exploded view is shown of a projector assembly 92 comprisingprojector 94, which can be mounted in fixed relation to support frame96. Support frame 96 can in turn be adjustably mounted to support member118 using bolt 120 to vary the inclination of frame 96 as desired, Framemember 96 preferably further comprises, in spaced apart relation toprojector 94, a mounting bracket 102 secured to frame 96 by bolt 103inserted through aperture 106, or by any other similarly effective meansor mechanism. A multi-faceted reflective element such as mirror ball 108is preferably supported on an axle 110 that is rotatably mounted inclevis members 104, 106 through apertures 112, 113 in such manner thataxle 110 can be rotated by electric motor to slowly turn mirror ball108. Mirror ball 108 preferably comprises a plurality of small mirroredsurfaces 116 oriented in many different directions. The lighting effectachieved through the use of projector 94 in this manner under conditionsof low ambient light is to simultaneously direct the projected imageagainst many viewing surfaces, seemingly multiplying the projected imagemany times over. When mirror ball 108 is rotated, the effect is furtherenhanced by imparting motion to the multiple projected images.

[0043]FIGS. 9 and 12 show an alternate embodiment of the projector 200which includes a reflective element 208 which is shielded and rotatedfrom its interior. The projector 260 may be supported upon frame member296. Additionally, the reflective element 208 may be indirectlysupported by the frame member 296. The reflective element 208 may besupported by a shield 209 which is in turn supported by the frame member296. An easy-to-loosen nut 2 10 is used to attach the shield 209 to theframe member 296 such that the shield 209 and reflective element 208 maybe easily rotated to new positions. A key 211 may be included whichrestricts the shield 209 and reflective element 208 from being rotatedin multiple three-hundred and sixty degree circuits in a singledirection. As a result the entanglement of an electrical cord betweenthe transformer and reflective element is avoided.

[0044] Referring to Figures 11 a, 11 b and 13 the shield 209 may befabricated in two portions capable of being joined together. The shield209 may include a support aperture or indentation 211 which may supportthe reflective element 208. The shield 209 functions as a supportdevice, and also blocks some of the light reflected off of thereflective element 208 which was reflected off in an undesireddirection.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, one embodiment of a stand 230 is shownwhich includes two similarly shaped tubular members 231 and 232. Thetubular members 231 and 232 may be bent into a V-shape with a flatbottom. To form the stand 230, the tubular members 231 and 232 may beabutted and screwed together. This forms a stand 230 with a double-widecentral portion and four flared ends having the width of a single tube.The stand 230 may also include a bracket 233, vertical chamber 234 andadapter 235. The bracket 233 is attachable to both the tubular members231 and 232 as well as the vertical chamber 234. The vertical chamber234 is preferably hollow and may hold a transformer. The adapter 235 isattachable to the vertical chamber 234 on one end and either the supportmember 296 or a projector 260 if used alone, on its opposite end. Foroutdoor use, one or more J-shaped stakes may be used to hold the standin place. The longer portion of the J-shaped stake enters the groundwhile the shorter portion hooks one of the tubular members 231.

[0046] FIGS. 18-20 show an alternative embodiment 240 of a stand. Thestand 240 may be used to support either a projector 260 by itself or aprojector and reflective element assembly. The stand includes a centralhub 241, a number of legs 242 and a vertical chamber 243. A transformermay be held within the central hub 241, vertical chamber 243 or extendthrough both. The legs 242 extend outward from the hub 241 and may bedetachable. In a preferred embodiment, the legs 242 have about equallengths and are spaced about equally around the hub 241. The frame 240may also include a stop ring 244 as an additional support, the ringmaking contact with the floor or ground under the stand. The stand 240is preferably made from plastic.

[0047] FIGS. 14-17 show a reflective element 208 embodiment which may bedriven from its inside. The reflective element includes a housing 270which is preferably made in two separate portions which may be joinedtogether. The housing 270 may be any shape, but preferably is sphericalor barrel shaped. The housing 270 may include or support a plurality ofreflective surfaces. These surfaces may be small mirror pieces ormembers which are attached to the housing 270. Alternatively, thehousing 270 itself, may be formed from a reflective material andcontoured to provide reflective surfaces. Alternatively, a reflectivecoating may be applied to the exterior surface of the housing 270 toform reflective surfaces. The interior surface of one or both portionsof the housing 270 may include teeth 279 which are used to drive thehousing 270. The teeth 279 may be affixed to or molded into the housing270.

[0048] The reflective element 208 also includes one or more holder andspindle assemblies 271 and 272. These assemblies may hold one or morecomponents in a stationary position while the housing 270 is moving. Thespindle portion of the assembly 271 and 272 can project through thehousing 270. A bearing 273 may be placed between the stationary spindleand the moving housing 270. The holder and spindle assemblies 271 and272 may support an electric motor 274 and a plurality of gears 275. Asshown schematically in FIG. 16, the rotation of the motor 274 turns agear which turns a second gear, which can turn any number of additionalgears, which in turn rotate the housing 270. The gears may be sized toprovide a desired speed and torque.

[0049] In another embodiment of the projector including the reflectiveelement, the projector may only project light. The image source isomitted. As a result specs of light are reflected from the reflectiveelement to the viewing surface.

[0050] FIGS. 21-24 show another embodiment of the projector whichincludes multiple image sources. The projector 300 includes a firstimage support assembly 302 and a second image support assembly 304. Thefirst image support assembly 302 is stationary and the second imagesupport assembly 304 may be rotated by a drive mechanism 306 locatedbelow the lens tube 308 of the projector 300. The drive mechanism 306may include one or more gears which translate the motion of an electricdrive motor into motion to rotate the image support assembly 304. In apreferred embodiment, the image supported in the first image supportassembly 302 is an easily defined shape or character while the image inthe second image support assembly is an enhancing effect image such aseries of slits, alternating clear and foggy patches, or alternatingcolor sections. The rotation of the second image support assembly causesthe effect on the stationary image to change in an interesting way. Theprojector 300 of the embodiment of FIGS. 21-24 may be made from twointerlocking portions 310 and 312 having similar lengths. The portions310 and 312 may be easily attached and detached using a bayonet typeattachment mechanism. Upon separation the image support assemblies 302and 304 are oriented adjacent the opening, thus allowing easy removaland change of the image source.

[0051]FIG. 25 shows a display mechanism 400 which may be placed in ayard or other location when any of the projector embodiments are usedoutdoor. The display mechanism includes a screen 402 upon which an imagemay be directly displayed or upon which reflected images may bedisplayed. The screen is supported by two poles 404 held in place by anumber of tethers 406. The screen my be made of cloth or plastic and maybe generally solid or perforated in order to provide less windresistance.

[0052] Other alterations and modifications of the invention willlikewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art uponreading the present disclosure, and it is intended that the scope of theinvention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadestinterpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legallyentitled

1. A projector comprising: a housing containing a directional electric light source, a lens disposed opposite the light source, a light path extending from the light source through the lens and out of the housing and to a multi-faceted reflective element, the reflective element including a housing having a plurality of reflective surfaces and means for rotating the housing which is located substantially inside of the housing.
 2. The projector of claim 1 further including an image medium support assembly disposed between the light source and the lens, the image medium support assembly further comprising an image window aligned in the light path, and an opening in which an image medium can be supported in the image medium support assembly.
 3. The projector of claim 1 further including a support member attachable to the projector comprising a mounting frame with a proximal end holding the projector and a distal end holding, in spaced apart relation to the projector, the multi-faceted reflective element.
 4. The projector of claim 2 further including a support member attachable to the projector comprising a mounting frame with a proximal end holding the projector and a distal end holding, in spaced apart relation to the projector, the multi-faceted reflective element.
 5. The projector of claim 1 wherein the multi-faceted reflective element is supported on two opposed sides.
 6. The projector of claim 4 further including a stand supporting the support member, the stand comprising a first bent tubular member which abuts a second similarly shaped bent tubular member, together forming a configuration with a central, double-wide portion and four flared single-wide ends.
 7. The projector of claim 1 further including a shield enveloping a portion of the reflective element whereby a portion of the light reflected from the reflective element is blocked from further projection.
 8. The projector of claim 4 further including a stand having a central hub and three members having similar lengths extending from the hub and about equally spaced around the hub.
 9. The projector of claim 2 wherein the reflective element may be rotationally adjusted to different positions in order to vary the direction of movement of reflected images across a viewing surface.
 10. A rotatable multi-faceted reflective element for use in the projection of reflected light comprising: a housing including a plurality of reflective surfaces; means for rotating the housing which is located inside of the housing.
 11. The reflective element of claim 10 wherein the housing supports the plurality of reflective surfaces.
 12. The reflective element of claim 10 wherein the housing is spherically shaped.
 13. The reflective element of claim 10 wherein the housing is barrel shaped.
 14. The reflective element of claim 10 wherein the means for rotating the housing comprise an electric motor, an interior surface of the housing having gear teeth, and one or more gears for transferring motion from the electric motor to the interior surface of the housing having gear teeth.
 15. The reflective element of claim 14 further including a spindle and holder assembly wherein the electric motor is supported by the holder and the spindle extends through the housing, whereby upon activation of the electric motor, the housing may be rotated while the spindle and holder assembly remain stationary.
 16. The reflective element of claim 14 further including a bearing between the housing and the spindle of the spindle and holder assembly.
 17. The reflective element if claim 14 further including a second spindle and holder assembly wherein the gears are supported by the second spindle and holder assembly and the spindle extends through the housing on a side opposite the side where the spindle from the first spindle and holder assembly extends through the housing. 